A broadly rounded ornamental pear with dense white spring blossom and glossy foliage turning red-purple late in autumn. A vigorous shade and feature tree for street and garden use.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 11 m H × 8 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Bradford Pear
Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' is a fast-growing tree in the Rosaceae family. It reaches around 11 m tall and 8 m wide at maturity, with deciduous and rich in autumn colour foliage. White flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Bradford Pear
Bradford Pear suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Bradford Pear does best in free-draining, clay and loamy soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Bradford Pear is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Bradford Pear after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Bradford Pear in the garden
Bradford Pear earns its place for a feature or specimen planting and a shade tree.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Bradford Pear with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Buying Bradford Pear
Plant Sale lists Bradford Pear as advanced specimens and bare-root stock. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.